That it is 2009 is hard to process still. Like many, I sat down recently and processed what I want my goals to be this year. I never used to do this when I was burdened with debt - mostly because I knew my goals, if I was honest, would have read like a plea that nothing major caused a hiccup so I wouldn’t sink. Now, with debt behind me, I am able to process a bit more about what I really want to accomplish this year.
I started the process with a look back. While that was hard, because I see a lot of wasted time and missed opportunity, I also see major success in the most recent past that drives me forward. I laid out some personal goals, both financial and otherwise, some career goals, and some general things I want to do better.
The process was really helpful to go through, as I feel it is for everyone. To even process financial goals in terms of anything other than paying the bills this month is beyond amazing. It reminded me, as often happens, just how much a toll debt took on me. When I was in denial of my debt, I didn’t talk about money with anyone, wife included. I knew where the conversation would go because it was the only thing to talk about. Any talk about savings, retirement, education - it all led to debt, because none of those could happen without dealing with the debt.
It is amazing how much the debt locked down my life, not just financially but as a whole, and equally amazing how much of my own life has opened up to me now that I’m debt free!
I hope your new year, if not debt free, will begin with a plan to become that way. The road will be long and difficult, and I PROMISE it will be worth it at the end.
